Lead Protection & Control Engineer (Power Systems)

Shape the Future of Grid Automation, Substation Protection & Power System Reliability

• Location: Remote (Must be local for future onsite support) | Hybrid onsite presence at Salt Lake City, UT site required when project site becomes active in mid-2027

• Schedule: Monday-Friday | Flexible start times between 8:00 AM-6:00 PM

• Pay Rate: $59.69/hour

Make an Impact on the Future of Energy Infrastructure

PDS Tech Commercial is seeking a highly skilled Lead Protection & Control Engineer to support an industry-leading organization at the forefront of power system modernization, grid automation, and utility innovation. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced engineering professional to lead the design, analysis, testing, and commissioning of advanced protection and control solutions supporting transmission, distribution, generation, and industrial power systems throughout North America.

In this role, you'll work on technically challenging projects that improve grid reliability, enhance electrical system performance, and support the growing demand for smarter, more resilient energy networks.

What You'll Do

As a Lead Protection & Control Engineer, you will:

• Design and deliver complex protection and control solutions for utility, industrial, transmission, distribution, and generation systems.

• Develop relay setting files, protection schemes, control logic, and communication configurations for protective relays and automation devices.

• Perform power system studies and engineering analyses, including:

  • Short Circuit Studies

  • Load Flow Analysis

  • Protective Device Coordination

  • Arc Flash Studies

  • Ground Grid Design

  • Lightning Protection Studies

  • Insulation Coordination

• Support the design and implementation of advanced microgrid and grid automation solutions.

• Utilize industry-standard software tools such as ETAP, ASPEN, SKM, CAPE, MATLAB, Mathcad, CDEGS, or comparable platforms.

• Design and configure communication systems utilizing protocols including IEC 61850, DNP3, and Modbus.

• Conduct factory acceptance testing (FAT), customer witness testing, and site acceptance testing (SAT).

• Provide field support, troubleshooting, and commissioning services for new protection and control installations.

• Develop technical reports, engineering documentation, test plans, and customer deliverables.

• Collaborate with customers, project managers, and multidisciplinary engineering teams on technical solutions and project execution.

• Assist with development of engineering tools and automation processes that improve project delivery and efficiency.

• Travel domestically up to 25% in support of project execution and commissioning activities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field with a concentration in Power Systems.

• Minimum 7 years of experience in electric power system design, analysis, studies, protection, and control engineering.

• Strong understanding of:

  • Power System Protection Theory

  • Fault Analysis

  • Symmetrical Components

  • Steady-State and Transient Power System Behavior

• Experience performing power system studies and engineering calculations.

• Hands-on experience with one or more of the following:

  • ETAP

  • ASPEN

  • SKM

  • CAPE

  • Mathcad

  • MATLAB

  • CDEGS

  • WinIGS

• Working knowledge of substation automation and communication protocols including IEC 61850, DNP3, and Modbus.

• Strong technical writing, documentation, and presentation skills.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and Excel.

• Ability to effectively communicate with customers, project teams, and stakeholders.

• Demonstrated commitment to safety, quality, and customer satisfaction.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license in at least one U.S. state.

• Experience with relay testing, commissioning, and validation using Doble, Omicron, or equivalent testing equipment.

• Experience with transmission and distribution utility projects.

• Knowledge of microgrid design and controls.

• Experience with RTDS or other power system simulation platforms.

• Previous customer-facing consulting or engineering services experience.

• Experience estimating engineering efforts and supporting project proposals.

Why Join Us?

This is more than an engineering position—it is an opportunity to help modernize critical energy infrastructure across North America.

You'll Enjoy:

• Working on high-impact projects that support grid reliability and energy transformation.

• Exposure to cutting-edge technologies in protection, automation, microgrids, and smart grid systems.

• Opportunities to collaborate with industry-leading engineers and utility customers.

• Complex technical challenges that promote professional growth and continuous learning.

• Competitive compensation and long-term project stability.

• A collaborative, safety-focused culture that values innovation, teamwork, and technical excellence.

If you're passionate about power systems, protection engineering, and building the future of electrical infrastructure, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply Today

Take the next step in your engineering career and join a team that's powering the future of energy. Submit your application today and bring your expertise to projects that make a lasting impact across the power industry.

• The California Fair Chance Act
• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.